TN Sens. split votes on spending bill

Alexander voted yes and Corker no on a procedural issue that passed 62-35, but final passage was approved by a voice vote.

Alexander said the bill needed to be passed for government to operate properly. And he said, “The bill that passed today includes funding for several projects important to Tennesseans.”

Corker said the spending in the bill and the previously passed stimulus legislation is excessive. “This is trillions of dollars that we donâ€™t have that weâ€™re leaving for future generations to pay back,” Corker said.

The $410 billion spending bill would fund most government programs and services through fiscal 2009, which ends Sept. 30.